Let’s get something straight. There are lots of Africans who don’t speak their native languages, for a variety of reasons, but they want to learn. But given that the pool of resources for learning indigenous African languages isn’t as large as say, for Spanish, wouldn’t it be more productive to frame our conversations about the diminishing fluency of Nigerian languages around solutions (i.e. what we can do to increase interest in AND access to greater learning resources) vs. the polarity of judging one’s Africanness based on which languages they speak? Just a thought.

Award-winning Namibian indie soul artist, Shishani, has just released the music video for her latest single, “Minority”, a catchy, upbeat, acoustic track that calls for freedom and equality for all people despite perceived differences. She recently sat down with me to chat about her rise to stardom, her thoughts on music in movements, and why she’s putting everything on the line now.

As a group that is routinely judged, shunned, and fighting for acceptance, we as LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) people are often pigeon-holed into playing the role of educator to the people that inflict the most pain on us, our friends and family. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. Give the gift of media, and absolve yourself of being the “go-to LGBT person” for the Holidays.